CHALLENGING THE IMPAIRMENT RATING When a Second Opinion Changes Everything
We typically refrain from referring our Spartanburg clients with personal injury and workers’ compensation cases to doctors, as it can adversely impact their cases. However, in this unique instance, it was imperative and beneficial to do so. The need for an independent medical exam (IME) arose due to the employer’s chosen surgeon assigning the same impairment rating to our client’s left knee following two operations. Our client’s injury occurred when he slipped on wax while exiting a car he was working on at the BMW plant near Spartanburg in Greer, resulting in a severe twist to his left knee. Subsequently, the surgeon
designated by the employer performed an arthroscopy with partial medial meniscectomy and excision of the superomedial plica/synovial shelf. Surprisingly, the surgeon provided a 5% impairment rating for our client’s left leg. Despite undergoing a second surgery involving another partial medial meniscectomy, our client’s knee issues persisted, and the same 5% impairment rating was assigned, which raised concerns. Recognizing the need for a more thorough evaluation, I made the unconventional decision to arrange for our client to undergo an IME conducted by a different surgeon. This new assessment yielded a 15% impairment rating, which aligned more closely with our client’s actual limitations. As a result, we successfully negotiated a settlement for a clincher amounting to $40,348.05. This settlement represented a 30% workers’ compensation disability to the left leg, ensuring our client received the appropriate compensation for his injuries and limitations.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” –Luke 2:10-11 “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” –Luke 2:19 Good News
Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
• 10 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped • 4 tbsp butter
• 4 large eggs, separated • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions 1. In a medium heatproof bowl, add chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and blended, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 2. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. Then gradually add melted chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites and then cream into the chocolate mixture. 5. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill for 3 hours or until set.
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